Clean Energy Fund 5 (CEF5) – Grid Modernization Now Accepting Applications

Commerce has announced a Request for Applications (RFA) with up to $10.67 Million in funding available for Grid Modernization projects. This RFA will prioritize benefits to communities with high environmental or energy burden, Tribes, smaller utilities and partnerships. To encourage applications from organizations that have not received a Grid Modernization grant in the past, a funding carve out is set aside to support early stage planning projects for eligible applicants.…

Sam Askew appointed to Washington Tourism Marketing Authority Advisory Committee

Sam Askew appointed to Washington Tourism Marketing Authority Advisory Committee

Leading hospitality industry veteran will give voice to Tribal communities and interests OLYMPIA, WA — Sam Askew, Executive Director of Resort Operations at Northern Quest Resort & Casino, has been appointed to the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority Advisory Committee by Commerce Director Lisa Brown. Askew fills a vacant position on the four-person committee reserved for representing the interests and perspectives of Washington’s Tribal communities. “Sam’s energy and extensive background in…

CEF Project Highlight – OPALCO Decatur Island Microgrid

OPALCO’s Battery Storage Project was funded in part by a $1 million Grid Modernization grant from Commerce’s Clean Energy Fund (CEF). The microgrid OPALCO built on Decatur Island includes a battery storage project paired with a Community Solar Array. The battery storage project is a one-megawatt, 2.6 MWh large-scale battery that can operate independently from the grid and power approximately 500 homes for up to 4 hours. The goals of…